The University of Northern Iowa brought together more than 2,200 students, faculty, and staff for the UNI Day of Service on April 8 as part of its 150th anniversary celebration. The event was held in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and involved service projects throughout Cedar Falls and Waterloo.
The initiative highlights the university’s ongoing commitment to community engagement by encouraging widespread volunteerism. Projects were led by student organizations or integrated into coursework, while some students participated individually. Local community organizations partnered with UNI to provide a variety of service opportunities.
Julianne Gassman, director of Community Engagement at UNI, said during a kickoff event at Maucker Union: “Today we are delivering on 77 projects and have more than 2,200 people giving back to the community that’s allowed UNI to thrive for 150 years. I have two degrees from UNI and a nearly 30-year career… and I think this moment is my most proud moment of being at UNI.”
Gassman outlined the wide-ranging impact: “150 people will sleep on a bed, whereas last night they slept on the couch or with their siblings. Adults from Goodwill get to participate in Special Olympics in four sports. Our community will have less debris and trash. Gardens will be prepped for planting season… Meals will be packed for people around the world and the communities closest to us.”
Lauren Finke, executive director of the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley, put the effort into perspective: “That’s more than 4,500 hours of service that’s being poured back into our community in just a few hours. If one person worked around the clock, it would take more than 187 straight days to match what you are doing in just a few hours today. That’s incredible.”
UNI president Mark Nook said: “The purpose of the University of Northern Iowa is to enrich lives, communities and the world through the efforts of our students, our faculty, staff and alumni.” He added that engagement goes beyond organizing volunteer opportunities by integrating service into coursework and student activities.
Students also reflected on their experiences during Day of Service projects. Senior Hillary Burken said: “It’s really a fulfilling thing to do… It reinforces the mindset that UNI wants us…to be able to give back to our community.” Junior Logan Houang shared his experience working with adult Special Olympics athletes: “My favorite part about today is building personal relationships with each individual and spending meaningful time together.”
The Day of Service serves as a signature event within months-long planning under UNI’s “Spring Into Service: Cats Who Care” initiative tied to its Sesquicentennial Celebration.
